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Owls are depicted on many different ancient coin types but the most prolific types are the coins of ancient Athens. The ancient slang names for the coins of Athens were "owls" (but in Greek of course) and "girls" (referring to Athena on the obverse, also in Greek). "Owls" were so popular as a central currency of the ancient world that the design remained essentially unchanged and somewhat archaic long after other cities began to produce coins of a more refined artistic style. "Owls" of Athens are still very popular. For collectors, they are perhaps the most popular ancient coin type.

Athens, Attica, Greece, c. 454 - 404 B.C., Old StyleTetradrachm

The old-style tetradrachm of Athens is famous for its almond shaped eye, archaic smile, and charming owl reverse. Around 480 B.C. a wreath of olive leaves and a decorative scroll were added to Athena's helmet. On the reverse, a crescent moon was added.

A Gorgoneion was a horror-creating apotropaicGorgonhead pendant. The name derives from the Greek word gorgós, which means "dreadful." The Gorgons were three sisters who had hair of living, venomous snakes, and a horrifying face that turned those who saw it to stone. Stheno and Euryale were immortal, but their sister Medusa was not, and was slain by Perseus. Zeus, Athena, Hellenistic kings and Roman emperors wore Gorgoneion for protection. Images of the Gorgons were also put upon objects and buildings for protection. A Gorgon image is at the center of the pediment of the temple at Corfu, the oldest stone pediment in Greece from about 600 B.C.GI88930. Bronze tetras, Westermark-Jenkins, type E, 194; Calciati III p. 55, 20; SNG ANS 1226; HGC 2 547 (S); BMC Sicily -; SNG Cop -; SNG München -, VF, dark green patina, scratches, weight 2.864 g, maximum diameter 15.0 mm, die axis 0o, Kamarina (near Scoglitti, Sicily, Italy) mint, 420 - 405 B.C.; obverse facing head of Medusa (gorgoneion) with radiating locks, fierce expression, knitted eyebrows, no hairband, chubby cheeks; reverse KAMA (downward on right), owl standing left on left leg, head facing, lizard with head down in right talon, three pellets (mark of value) in exergue, no control marks; scarce; $170.00 (€144.50)

Antiochus VIIIEpiphanes Grypus (Hook-Nose) was crowned as a teenager, ruling jointly with his mother Cleopatra Thea. In 121 B.C., one day when he returned from a hunt, his mother offered him a cup of wine. Since this was not common behavior for her, Grypus was suspicious and forced her to drink the wine; poisoned, it killed her. Grypus fought a civil war with his brother that ended with his murder.GB87733. Bronze AE 19, Houghton-Lorber II 2263(2)a, Houghton CSE 317, SNG Spaer 2443, HGC 9 1189 (S), VF, highlighting desert patina, struck with a worn obverse die, obverse slightly off center, beveled reverse edge, weight 5.690 g, maximum diameter 18.9 mm, die axis 0o, Antioch (Antakya, Turkey) mint, 123 - 122 B.C.; obverseradiatehead of Antiochus VIII right; reverse BAΣIΛIΣΣHΣ / KΛEOΠATPAΣ / KAI BAΣIΛEΩΣ / ANTIOXOY in four downward lines first two on the right, last two on left, owl, looking forward, standing right on amphora on its side, IE (control) inner right; ϘP (Seleucid Era year 190) with aphlaston (control) to right below; scarce; $90.00 (€76.50)

Persian Empire, Judaea (Yehudah), 375 - 333 B.C.

Minted in Judaea while under Persian control, prior to Alexander the Great's conquest.